Kimura from Closed Guard

Overview

The Kimura is a versatile shoulder lock that can be used for submissions, sweeps, and transitions. Named after the judoka Masahiko Kimura who famously defeated Helio Gracie with this technique, it's a fundamental attack from closed guard that creates numerous offensive opportunities.

Key Benefits:

• Works as submission, sweep, and transition
• Effective in gi and no-gi
• High success rate at all levels
• Opens up other attacks through threat alone

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Control from Closed Guard

Start in closed guard with good posture control. Break your opponent's posture down and create an opening where one of their arms is vulnerable, typically when they post or reach for grips.

Key Points:

• Keep guard closed and tight
• Control their posture with collar/head control
• Watch for arm that posts to the mat
• Stay mobile with your hips

Step 2: Trap the Wrist

When your opponent posts with their hand, immediately trap their wrist with your same-side hand (right hand traps their right wrist). Your grip should be firm, with your thumb on top of their wrist.

Key Points:

• React quickly to the post
• Grip the wrist firmly
• Position your arm over theirs
• Keep their hand pinned to the mat

Step 3: Thread Your Arm Through

Reach your opposite arm underneath their trapped arm and grab your own wrist, creating a figure-four configuration. Your grip should be thumb-down for maximum leverage.

Key Points:

• Thread arm deep underneath theirs
• Create tight figure-four grip
• Keep their hand pinned throughout
• Your hands should be close to their shoulder

Step 4: Break Their Posture

Pull the arm across their body while opening your guard. Use your legs to break their posture and bring them to the mat on their side. Your knee on the Kimura side should come to their hip.

Key Points:

• Pull arm across their centerline
• Use your legs actively
• Get them to their side
• Maintain tight grip throughout

Step 5: Finish the Submission

Keeping their hand pinned to their back/ribs, raise their elbow upward while maintaining the figure-four lock. Apply pressure slowly and controlled, focusing on shoulder rotation rather than pure lifting force.

Key Points:

• Hand stays pinned to their back
• Lift elbow upward
• Rotate shoulder joint
• Control their body with your legs

Key Grips

Figure-Four Configuration

1. Wrist Control (Critical): Trap their wrist to the mat
2. Figure-Four Lock (Critical): Your hands locked together, thumb down
3. Hip Control (Important): Use your legs to control their position

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Losing wrist pin - They can pull their arm free

• Fix: Keep their hand pinned to their back/ribs

• Mistake: Poor figure-four grip - Reduces leverage

• Fix: Hands tight and close to their shoulder

• Mistake: Lifting straight up - Easy to defend

• Fix: Rotate their shoulder, hand stays pinned

• Mistake: Releasing leg control - They can escape easily

• Fix: Use legs actively to control posture

• Mistake: Going too fast - Risk of injury

• Fix: Apply controlled, gradual pressure

Counters & Defenses

Common counters to be aware of:

• Pull Hand Free: Opponent yanks hand away before lock secured
• Roll Forward: Opponent rolls over shoulder to escape
• Stack Defense: Opponent drives forward to stack you

Follow-Up Techniques

The Kimura opens up multiple paths:

1. Kimura Sweep - If they defend by pulling away, sweep them
2. Back Take - If they roll, take their back
3. Guillotine - If they defend by coming forward
4. Armbar - Switch to armbar if they defend wrong

Training Progression

Week 1-2: Master the basic grip and wrist trap Week 3-4: Practice the finish with control Week 5-6: Work on sweep and back take variations Week 7-12: Integrate all kimura paths into live training

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How hard should I crank the kimura? A: The kimura can cause serious shoulder damage. Apply slowly and release immediately when your partner taps. Many people have different shoulder flexibility.

Q: What if they keep their elbow tight to their body? A: Use your legs and body position to break their defensive structure. You can also threaten other attacks to create the opening.

Q: Can I finish the kimura if they keep pulling their arm away? A: No, but this sets up the kimura sweep perfectly. Let them pull away and use that momentum to sweep them.

Q: Is kimura better from closed or open guard? A: Both are effective. Closed guard offers more control initially, while open guards like half guard offer different angles.

Q: How do I prevent them from rolling out? A: Control their far shoulder with your leg/hip, and be ready to take the back if they commit to the roll.

Advanced Concepts

The Kimura Trap

Use the kimura threat to create other openings. Even if you don't finish it, the threat alone opens up sweeps and back takes.

Rolling Kimura

If they try to roll forward to escape, maintain your grip and roll with them, often ending in mount or back control.

Kimura from Half Guard

One of the highest-percentage kimura positions, especially when they have an underhook.

Safety Note: The Kimura puts significant stress on the shoulder joint. Always apply slowly and with control, and respect your partner's tap immediately.